heir consumption of our commodities extends, to
become a nursery for British seamen. Nor would this, perhaps, be
advantageous to us, considering the dispositions of the two nations
towards us. The preference which our shipping will obtain on this
account, may counterpoise the discouragements it experiences from the
aggravated dangers of the Barbary States. Nor is the idea unpleasing
which shows itself in various parts of these papers, of naturalizing
American bottoms, and American citizens in France and in its foreign
possessions. Once established here, and in their eastern settlements,
they may revolt less at the proposition to extend it to those westward.
They are not yet, however, at that point; we must be contented to go
towards it a step at a time, and trust to future events for hastening
our progress.

With respect to the alliance between this and the two imperial courts,
nothing certain transpires. We are enabled to conjecture its progress
only from facts which now and then show themselves. The following may
be considered as indications of it. 1. The Emperor has made an attempt
to surprise Belgrade. The attempt failed, but will serve to plunge him
into the war, and to show that he had assumed the character of
mediator, only to enable himself to gain some advantage by surprise. 2.
The mediation of France is probably at an end, and their abandonment of
the Turks agreed on; because they have secretly ordered their officers
to quit the Turkish service. This fact is known to but few, and not
intended to be known; but I think it certain. 3. To the offer of
mediation lately made by England and Prussia, the court of Petersburg
answered, that having declined the mediation of a friendly power,
(France,) she could not accept that of two courts, with whose
dispositions she had reason to be dissatisfied. 4. The States General
are said to have instructed their Ambassador here, lately, to ask of M.
de Montmorin, whether the inquiry had been made, which they had
formerly desired: "By what authority the French engineers had been
placed in the service of Holland?" And that he answered that the
inquiry had not been made, nor should be made. Though I do not consider
the channel through which I get this fact, as absolutely sure, yet it
is so respectable that I give credit to it myself. 5. The King of
Prussia is withdrawing his troops from Holland. Should this alliance
show itself, it would seem that France thus strengthened might dic